Doors Open Grimsby shares in bicentennial commemoration

War of 1812 brought back to life. Lincoln Militia Capt. Calvin Arnt, left, gives the order to fire their muskets as privates Philip Conklin, Mike McAndrews and James Rolston disappear in a cloud of smoke as their guns discharge during last year’s Doors Open Grimsby. A similar demonstration will be a part of this Saturday’s festival.

An event celebrating heritage in 2012 wouldn’t be complete without a focussing on the 200th anniversary of a war that shaped the area.

This year marks the bicentennial of the start of the War of 1812 and Doors Open Grimsby will be sharing in the celebrations and Canada and the United States mark 200 years of peace.

The Engagement at the Forty commenced after the defeat of American forces at the Battle of Stoney Creek. Armed British and Native forces at the Forty (now known as Grimsby) fought off a squadron of Americans who quickly retreated to Fort George. A commemorative plaque marks this important day in history at 477 Elizabeth Street, the site of the battle.

The site, which is also home to the Elizabeth Street Pump House and war of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden, will be alive with activity on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Re-enactors will interpret the fateful morning of June 8, 1813, when the Americans were attacked and retreated to Fort George. The display will be complete with armed soldiers, an army camp with tents and a cooking fire and an artillery display.

The site will play host to a much larger re-enactment, one on land and water, on the anniversary date of the battle _ June 8, 1813.

The site will also feature the works of Linda Stanley, a prominent Grimsby artist, who will showcase her War of 1812-themed pieces for sale and viewing.

Two additional Doors Open sites associated with this theme include the Old Grimsby Walking Tour and the Grimsby Museum. The walking tour features several buildings and sites which were built prior to the War of 1812 such as Nelles Manor and the Nelles-Fitch house, both are extremely significant to the conservation of Grimsby’s historic roots.